When you create the perfect skincare routine it’s like discovering the holy grail. Yet, the discovery process can take you off course when you come across ingredients you aren’t sure work well together. This happened to me not long ago during a night skincare routine session when I dared to layer niacinamide and retinol. I hesitated asking myself “can I use niacinamide with retinol?”
This conundrum sent me down a rabbit hole to discover if it was possible. What would it do to my skin? Was it even worth it?
Simple answers is, yes, you can and it’s worth it! But the combination has so much more potential to take your skin to the next level. So let’s explore what’s so amazing about this satisfying skincare pairing, how to layer, and get the most out of these two ingredients.
*Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This page may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Read full disclaimer here.
Contents
What Is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide is a derivative of Vitamin B3. Its journey in the skincare world began decades ago, initially recognized for its ability to treat pellagra, a niacin deficiency. Today, it’s celebrated for its versatile benefits when applied to the face.
When niacinamide is used on the skin, it works by improving hydration, aiding your skin barrier in repairing damage, and building vital proteins like keratin. It enhances your skin’s resilience against environmental stressors, reduces inflammation, making it a go-to for calming redness and blemishes.
Benefits of Niacinamide
Niacinamide offers a multitude of benefits for the skin. It’s known for its skin barrier-boosting abilities and celebrated for its ability to regulate oil production and reduce clogged pores, for those with oily or acne-prone skin. It’s effective in fading dark spots. Additionally, it works wonders in minimizing the appearance of pores and fine lines, giving the skin a smoother, more youthful look. Its anti-inflammatory qualities can soothe redness and irritation. Most importantly, niacinamide is well-tolerated by most skin types, adding to its versatility and popularity in skincare routines.
Side Effects of Niacinamide
Though minimal, some people might experience mild irritation, especially at higher concentrations. Most products contain niacinamide in concentrations of 2-10%, which is generally well-tolerated. If you’re new to niacinamide, starting with a lower concentration and working your way up is a smart move.
What Is Retinol?
Retinol is more than just a trendy term in the skincare industry; it’s one of the most researched ingredients in skincare. It serves as a gentler introduction to the world of retinoids, making it an ideal choice for first-timers. When you apply retinol, it goes through a conversion process within your skin, transforming into retinoic acid—the active form that your skin can utilize. This unique conversion sets retinol apart from other retinoids offering a milder approach, but taking a bit longer to show results.
Benefits of Retinol
Retinol is renowned for its ability to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving your face a more youthful look. It also works wonders in improving skin texture, skin health, and making it smoother and more even. It’s a champion in the fight against acne, helping to clear up blemishes and prevent new ones from forming. As well as minimizing post acne scars and dark spots. Plus, it helps boost collagen production, which is essential for firm, healthy skin. And for those struggling with dark spots or uneven skin tone, retinol can help fade these imperfections, revealing a brighter, more radiant complexion.
Side Effects of Retinol
Retinol may cause skin purging, where your skin might break out as it adjusts to increased skin cells turnover. This phase usually subsides within four to six weeks.
How Does Retinol and Niacinamide Work Together?
- Balanced Skin Irritation: Retinol can be potent and irritating to the skin, especially initially. Niacinamide, with its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, can help reduce irritation and redness caused by retinol. This combination is suitable for sensitive skin, as niacinamide can buffer the potential irritative effects of retinol.
- Enhanced Barrier Function: While retinol works to renew and rejuvenate the skin, niacinamide helps to strengthen the skin’s barrier. A stronger barrier means better hydration retention and less sensitivity, making the skin more resilient to environmental stressors and irritants.
- Complementary Anti-Aging Effects: Both ingredients have anti-aging benefits, but they work differently. Retinol promotes shedding old skin cells and growing new ones, while niacinamide improves elasticity and reduces discoloration. Together, they target multiple signs of aging, enhancing your skincare routine.
- Improved Skin Tone and Texture: Niacinamide is known for its ability to even out skin tone and improve texture. When combined with the exfoliating effects of retinol, it can lead to smoother, brighter skin with less visible pores and a more even complexion.
- Synergistic Acne and Oil Control: For those with acne-prone skin, this combination can be particularly beneficial. Retinol helps in reducing acne by preventing pore-clogging, while niacinamide’s anti-inflammatory properties help to calm down acne-related redness and swelling.
When using retinol and niacinamide together, introduce them gradually and monitor your skin’s reaction. Apply retinol at night (as it increases sensitivity to sunlight) and use niacinamide in the morning or at night. Remember to always wear sunscreen during the day, as retinol can heighten UV sensitivity.
How to Layer Niacinamide and Retinol
Layering niacinamide and retinol is simple and effective. The order you layer is going to be best determined by the type of product you are using. Generally speaking retinol is oil based and niacinamide is water based, so you would apply niacinamide before retinol. But there are some instances, depending on the formulation, where you would apply retinol before niacinamide. If you are using serums, it’s best to start with the oil then water approach. Start by cleansing your face, tone if that’s your preference, then apply niacinamide first. Let it absorb fully. Follow with retinol. This sequence ensures optimal effectiveness without interference. If you were using a niacinamide based moisturizer, you would apply that after retinol. Remember to use retinol at night and finish with moisturizer to lock in hydration and protect your skin barrier.
I like taking a minimalist approach and using products that combine niacinamide and retinol together. It takes some of the guessing out of the equation. I’ve included a few of my product faves below that are extremely effective.
Niacinamide and Retinol Night Skin Care Routine
Normal, Dry, Oily, Combination Skin
Double Cleanse
Toner
Niacinamide Serum
Retinol Serum
Eye Cream
Night Cream
Sandwich Routine
Double Cleanse
Toner
Hyaluronic Acid
Retinol Serum
Niacinamide Serum
Eye Cream
Night Cream
Extra Hydration (wait 5-10 min in between each step after applying the sheet mask so that the serums have time to soak into the skin)
Double Cleanse
Toner
Hydrating Face Sheet Mask (no actives)
Niacinamide Serum
Retinol Serum
Peptides Serum
Eye Cream
Night Cream
Retinol and Niacinamide Product Faves
Now that you have a full rundown of how to combine retinol and niacinamide making it the perfect pairing for glowing skin. Here are a few of my favorite products to get you started or if you are looking to switch things up.
Youth To The People Retinal + Niacinamide
Skin Type: All Skin Types
Best Retinol and Niacinamide Pairing: N/A
Youth To The People Retinal + Niacinamide takes what’s so great about bringing these two ingredients together to the next level. I use this religiously with the main outcome being smoother, clearer skin even around my menstrual cycle. It’s formulated with retinaldehyde, the most potent retinoid next to prescription strength. But that potency doesn’t mean you have to shy away from it if you have sensitive skin. The 5% niacinamide helps to offset irritation while soothing and brightening the skin. It also has multiple hydrating ingredients like squalane, cucumber seed oil, ceramides, vitamin E and hyaluronic acid.
Key Ingredients
.15% Stabilized Retinaldehyde, 5% Niacinamide, Adaptogens + Ceramide Complex, Hyaluronic Acid, Squalane, Vitamin E, Glycerin
Benefits
- Helps reduce signs of aging and improves the look and feel of skin texture
- Rebalances tone, refines pores, and reinforces skin’s barrier.
- Visibly smooth, replenish moisture, and neutralize signs of sensitivity.
- Hydrate with an ultra-lightweight texture.
Paula’s Choice CLINICAL 20% Niacinamide
Skin Type: Normal, Dry, Oily, Combination
Best Retinol and Niacinamide Pairing: Paula’s Choice CLINICAL 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment
Sometimes you come across skincare that breaks the rules. Paula’s Choice CLINICAL 20% Niacinamide is that product. It’s got a high concentration of niacinamide, which in most cases would be unnecessary. But if your skin can tolerate it, you may never go back to 5 or 10% niacinamide again.
In the months I’ve used it, my skin has been clearer, glowing, and less oily in my t-zone. The inclusion of green tea extract and allantoin provides soothing skin benefits. It’s not for sensitive skin. So if you are sensitive to niacinamide or have had reactions in the past, this concentration is not for you. This does include ascorbyl glucoside (vitamin C derivative) in the formulation. It’s a more stable water based form of vit C, and is usually incorporated to increase antioxidant protection.
Key Ingredients
Niacinamide, Ascorbyl Glucoside (Vitamin C Derivative), Licorice Root, Green Tea Extract
Benefits
- Helps improve the look of sagging, stretched pores
- Normalizes pore function and protects from further stretching
- Reduces bumpy skin texture
- Brightens dull skin
- Minimizes fine lines and wrinkles
Sunday Riley’s B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum
Skin Type: All Skin Types
Best Retinol and Niacinamide Pairing: Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum
Sunday Riley is solving your problem of rampaging pores and uneven skin tone. Their B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide will make you fall in love with your skin again with its antioxidants, resveratrol, and EGCG. We are talking brighter complexion, less hyperpigmentation, and controlled oiliness. It’s what you want your niacinamide to be doing.
Key Ingredients
10% Niacinamide, Brightenyl, Trans-Resveratrol, EGCG, Glycerin, Turmeric Root Extract
Benefits
- Helps diminish the appearance of stretched pores.
- Regulates the look of visibly shiny, oily skin.
- Supports the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
- Evens out the signs of blotchy skin tone.
Allies of Skin Retinal & Peptides Repair Night Cream
Skin Type: All Skin Types
Best Retinol and Niacinamide Pairing: Allies of Skin Prebiotics & Niacinamide Pore Refining Booster
Are you ready to get into the big leagues of anti-aging skincare? Allies of Skin’s Retinal is the winning team. Their Retinal & Peptide Repair Night Cream is supercharged with retinaldehyde, peptides, antioxidants, they even threw in argan oil. Layering retinol, niacinamides, and peptides is the holy grail of anti-aging night skincare. This one has all three to get you closer to hydrated, brighter, tighter looking skin. If you are looking to simplify your night routine while also getting the benefits of the best ingredients, this is the way to go.
Key Ingredients
Encapsulated Retinaldehyde, Multi Peptide Complex, 10 Antioxidants, 5% Nutrient-Rich Oil Blend, Indian Ginseng Root Extract
Benefits
- Brightens the skin.
- Improves skin’s moisture levels.
- Reduces signs of premature aging.
- Vegan
Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum
Skin Type: All Skin Types
Best Retinol and Niacinamide Pairing: Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum
The brand focused on accessible clean beauty, has made a retinol accessible to its most sensitive community. The ingredient dermatologically proven to prevent signs of aging, tends to be pricey. Yet, Versed’s potent Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum is gentle on your face and pockets. Retailing for just $22, the formulation includes natural retinol alternatives like bakuchiol and arophira. Then for good measure they added antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. A formulation targeted to sensitive skin and first-time retinol users. Proving that there is a way to make retinol not scary and effective at the same time.
Key Ingredients
.03% Encapsulated Retinol, .05% Bakuchiol, 1% Arophira, .08% Chlorophyll, Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, Shea Butter
Benefits
- Helps improve uneven texture and tone
- Helps control sebum production
- Softens lines and wrinkles and evens discoloration
Final Thoughts
The journey to perfect skincare is an exciting one, made even better when the question of “can I use niacinamide with retinol?” is answered. The powerful combo of niacinamide and retinol takes care of multiple anti-aging, skin barrier, and acne concerns. Remember, your skin deserves the best, and these ingredients might just be the secret weapons you need. Happy layering!